Liquid spreader

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for distributing a processing liquid between two sheets of material including a stationary spreader member and a movably mounted spreader member pivotally connected to each other by a rod to form a pressure-generating gap therebetween. The rod functions as a spring urging the movable spreader member towards the fixed spreader member when the spreader members are in a liquid-spreading position, and the rod acts as a support when the movable spreader member is pivoted towards an inoperative position in which portions of the spreader members are sufficiently spaced apart to allow for cleaning of the members.

[ Feb. 15, 1972 United States Patent Eloranta [54] LIQUID SPREADER [72]inventor: Yarto K. Eloranta, Needham, Mass. Primary Examiner samuel SMatthews [73] Assignee: Polaroid Corporation, Cambridge, Mass. AssistantExaminer-Robert P. Greiner Attorney-Brown and Mikulka, Robert E. Corband Alfred E. Corrigan 221 Filed: June 30,1969 21 Appl.No.: 837,422

- ABSTRACT Related US. Application Data u Apparatus for distributing aprocessing llquid between two [63] commuauon'm'pm of 672,036 Oct sheetsof material includingastationary spreader member and a movably mountedspreader member pivotally connected to each other by a rod to form apressure-generating gap 1967, abandoned.

[52] Cl. ......95/89R, 95/13 therebetween. The rod functions as a springurging the movable spreader member towards the fixed spreader memberField of 95/89 13 when the spreader members are in a liquid-spreadingposition, and the rod acts as a support when the movable spreader memberis pivoted towards an inoperative position in which ReterencesCited vUNITED STATES PATENTS 2,483,389 10/1949 3,245,335 4/1966 Sable n a p a dw a w w t m m C m n S g e. mm m m m mm D mm w 6 mm m r o d a C n ral- 7Wm 2 h C m m S .mm mm Pm mm %H 5 PAIENIEnrw 15 m2 SHEET 1 OF 6 FIG. 2

INVENTOR VA/TO K. ELORANTA PATENTEDFEB 1 m2 SHEET 2 BF 6 ATTORNEYSPAIENTEH FEB 15 B72 sum 3. or 6 INVENTOR. m H. 6M

v E I and )wwoz and M wall 6am ATTORNEYS PAIENTEDFEB 1s m 3.641.908

SHEET 5 OF 6 INVENTOR. m H. M

524 EM m 2 Ar b uzv PATENTEUFEB 15 I972 3.641308 sum 6 [IF 6 INVENTOR.

LIQUID SPREADER This is a continuation-in-part of copending applicationSer. No. 672,036 filed on Oct. 2, 1967 and now abandoned.

Apparatus for spreading a liquid in a uniform layer of predeterminedthickness between two sheets of photographic sheet material generallyincludes two substantially parallel rigid members predeterminatelyspaced apart and so constructed and proportioned with respect toeach'other as to provide a pressure-generating gap or slot through whichthe sheet material is drawn. The pressure-generating gap generates ahydraulic pressure in a liquid located between layers of sheet materialto spread the liquid between and in contact with the interface surfacesof the layers as they are drawn between the rigid members. As the layersare drawn between the rigid members some of the liquid escapes frombetween the layers and is deposited on the rigid members. Should thesedeposits be allowed to remain on the rigid members they would buildupuntil they increased the minimum thickness of the pressure-generatinggap which in turn may adversely affect the development of thephotographic sheet material or, these deposits could cause unevenspreading of the processing liquid. In order to remove these depositswith a minimum of time and effort, the spreading apparatus should beconstructed to provide for ease of removal of the spreader .from acamera; separation of the various parts of the spreader to provide forease of cleaning; and means on the spreader cooperating with the camerastructure to facilitate insertion and proper orientation of the spreaderin the camera.

Accordingly, the invention has, as one object, the provision of a simpleand inexpensive device including a substantially fixed gap fordistributing a liquid in a uniform layer of predetermined thicknessbetween two layers of sheet material moved through said gap, said deviceincluding means for pivotally connecting a stationary spreader memberand a movably mounted spreader member for movement from aliquid-spreading position to an inoperative position wherein saidmembers-are sufficiently spaced apart to allow for cleaning of saidmembers.

Another object of the invention is to provide in a device as set forthabove connecting means in the form of a rod which functions as a springwhen the device is in a liquid-distributing position and either as ahinge or pivot when one of the spreader members is moved towards andfrom the inoperative position.

Another object of the invention is to provide in a device as set forthabove means for receiving and redistributing forces from said rod to oneof said members.

Still another object of the invention is to provide in a liquidspreadingapparatus of the type set forth above including two members pivotallycoupled to each other for movement between a first position in which themembers define a pressure-generating gap and a second position whereinportions of said members are spaced apart, means engageable by structurewithin a camera for insuring that the members are in the first positionand that the spreading apparatus is properly orientated within thecamera when the camera's loading door is closed.

Other objects of the invention will in part be will in part appearhereinafter.

The invention accordingly comprises the apparatus possessing theconstruction, combination of elements and arrangement of parts which areexemplified in the following detailed disclosure, and the scope of theapplication of which will be indicated in the claims. I

For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention,reference should be had to the following detailed description taken inconnection with the accompanying drawings wherein: 1

FIG. 1 is a perspective view, partly in section, showing photographicapparatus in the form of a camera having one form of spreader meanstherein, said camera being shown in the opener loading position;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary sectional view taken substantially along theline 2-2 of FIG. 1;

obvious and FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of another form ofspreader means;

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the spreader means of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the spreader means of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the spreader means of FIG. 3 shownin the inoperative position;

FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view, partly in section, of another form ofspreader means;

FIG. 8 is a rear exploded perspective view of another form of spreadermeans;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the spreader means of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a rear exploded perspective view of another form of spreadermeans similar to that of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of still another form of spreadermeans;

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view, partly in section, of still anotherform of spreader, the members ofthe spreader being shown in anonspreading condition; 7

FIG. 13 is a front exploded perspective view, partly in section, of thespreader shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a sectional elevational view taken along the line 14-14 ofFIG. 12 with the spreader means being shown in a liquid-distributingposition; and

FIG. 15 is a perspective view, partly in section, of the spreader ofFIG. 13 shown mounted in a camera.

Referring now to the drawings, in FIG. 1 is shown a camera of theself-developing type, indicated generally by reference numeral 10, andincluding camera body 12, bellows l4, lens and shutter housing 16 andthe usual braces and supports for maintaining the various elements inoperational relation to one another. Camera body 12 is closed at itsrear by camera back 18 to form an exposure chamber which contains a filmunit indicated generally at 20 in FIG. 2. Film unit 20, not shown inFIG. 1 in order to more clearly show the details of spreader means 22,may be of the type disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,161,122;3,161,516; and 3,165,039.

Camera back 18 which is of a generally rectangular configurationincludes an upstanding portion 24 extending around the periphery ofcamera back 18. Upstanding portion 24 is provided at one end withsuitable means (not shown) for pivotally connecting camera back 18 tothe remainder of the camera. Portion 24 is provided at its opposite endwith a slot or aperture 26 having light-sealing means 28 resilientlyassociated therewith to prevent the leakage of light into the camera.Camera body 12 is provided with recessed portions 30 and 32 whichcooperate with the top surface 34 of portion 24 to define a slot 36through which leader 38 of film unit 20 may be withdrawn to properlyposition end 40 of-film unit 20 between the spreader members of spreadermeans 22. Suitable means, e.g., a resilient flap member 42 extendingacross the entire width of slot 36, may be provided for preventing theleakage of light through slot 36 into the camera.

Means, in the form of spreader means 22, is provided for properlyrupturing a container 44 of processing liquid and evenly distributingthe liquid in a layer between sheets 46 and 48 of film unit 20. Spreadermeans 22 is comprised of a pivotally mounted spreader member 50, astationary spreader member 52 and an elongated resilient member in theform of a rod 54 which connects one of the spreader members 52 with theother spreader member 50 for movement between a liquid-distributingposition and an inoperative position as will be more clearly describedhereinafter. Spreader members 50 and 52 include portions 56 and 58 whichcooperate to define a pressure-generating gap 60 therebetween, said gap60 being in alignment with slot 26 when the spreader means is properlypositioned within the camera. As can be seen in FIG. 1, portions 46 and58 include end portions 62 and 64, respectively, which converge ahead ofgap 60 and terminate in facing, substantially parallel surfaces forengaging margins of sheets 46 and 48 ahead of said gap 60 for preventingescape of the processing liquid from between the sheets. Spreader member50 also includes a base portion 66 which extends from portion 56 to anedge portion 68which is at a right angle to base portion Extending fromedge portion 68 and at a 90 angle thereto is a pair of tab members 70which are integral extensions of edge portion 68. Tab members 70partially encompass rod 54 and help to maintain spreader member 50operatively coupled to spreader member 52 when the other spreader member50 is moved to and from a liquid-distributing posi- .tion. Base portion66 has a load-transfer section 72 punched out of the sheet material ofmember 50 and at a right angle to portion v66 for transferring a loadfrom rod 54 to spreader member 50 for resiliently urging member 50towards spreader member 52 when spreader members 50 and 52 are in aliquiddistributing position, as shown in FIG. 2.

Spreader member 52 further includes a base portion 74 having a pair ofleg portions 76 and 78 bent at right angles thereto, said leg portions76 and 78 having aperture'means 80 therein for receiving'the ends ,ofrod 54, and means (not shown) for limiting the minimum width ofpressure-generating gap 60. Upstanding portion 24 of camera back 18 isprovided with suitable'means, e.g., ribs 82 positioned at opposite endsof members 50 and 52 and spring means 84, for frictionally maintainingspreader means 22 in alignment with slot 26.

As is readily apparent fromviewing FIG. 2, after the film unit has beenexposed, leader 38 is pulled to the right to properly position end'40such that it protrudes through gap 60 and slot 26. Subsequent pulling onleader 38 will result in the breaking of the heat seal between it andthe film unit. End 40 is then pulled to the right (as viewed in FIG. 2)drawing pod 44 containing the processing liquid into thepressure-generating gap 60 until the pressure of the liquid in pod 44exceeds a predetermined limitat which the pod bursts and the fluid isevenly distributed between the sheets 46, 48. The thickness of the layerof liquid spread is in part controlled by the width of thepressure-generating gap, i.e., the distance between members 50, 52. Asstated hereinbefore, the minimum width of this gap 60 is preset.However, the width of the gap 60 can be inadvertently increased byallowing the processing liquid, which may be highly alkaline, to remainon superposed parts of the spreader means 22. This processing liquidwhen subjected to the atmosphere for a prolonged period of time will dryleaving a deposit which over a period of time can build up to suchproportions as to increase the minimum width of gap 60 thereby adverselyaffecting the quality of the processed unit.

' In order to obviate the above problem the spreader means of theinstant invention may be readily removed from the camera, the spreadermeans 22 being retained in the camera by spring means 84, so that thevarious parts thereof may be cleaned. The spreading means is removedfrom the camera and spreader member 50 is rotated about rod 54 from aliquiddistributing position wherein surface 56 cooperates with surface58 to define gap 60 to an inoperative position wherein members 50, 52are sufficiently spaced apart to allow for cleaning of said members.This operation could be performed without removing the spreader meansfrom the camera back 18; however, removing the spreader means from thecamera back will facilitate the cleaning thereof. Also, since the gap 60is equally spaced from edge portion 68 of member 50 and end 86 of baseportion 74, the spreader means may be inserted into the camera upsidedown, i.e., with member 52 positioned above member 50, and gap 60 willstill be in alignment with slot 26. At this point it should be notedthat load-transfer section 72 is slightly above a horizontal planecontaining apertures 80. With this arrangement rod 54, which has anintermediate portion in contact with section 72, assumes a slightlycurved and stressed condition when members 50, 52 are in theliquid-distributing position and a substantially linear and unstressedcondition when said members 50, 52 are in the inoperative position,e.g., see FIGS. 3 and 6, respectively. In FIG. 1, section 72 is locatedat a point higher than a horizontal plane containing apertures 80 but islocated under an intermediate portion of rod 54. This bows rod 54 suchthat it acts as a spring to resiliently urge spreader member 50 towardsspreader member '52. As member 50 is rotated towards the inoperativepositionsection 72 rotates about rod 54 to a position where it no longerbows rod 54. In this latter-position rod 54 functions as a hinge ratherthan a spring to maintain spreader members 50 and 52 operatively coupledto each other.

Referring to FIGS. 3-6 there is disclosed a modified form of thespreader means disclosed in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 3 shows a rearperspective view of a spreader means 122 comprised of a pivotallymounted spreader member 150, a stationary spreader member 152 and aresilient member in the form of a rod 154 which connects members and 152in the same manner as described with reference to spreader means 22.Spreader members 150, 152 include portions 156 and 158, respectively,which cooperate to define a pressure-generating gap 160 therebetween.Portions'l56 and 158 include end portions 162, 164 respectively, whichconverge ahead of gap 60 for engaging margins of sheets 46, 48 ahead ofgap 160 for preventing escape of the processing liquid from between thesheets. Spreader member 150 also includes a base portion 166 having asection 170 curved through an arc of to enable it to partially encompassrod 154 and a plurality of load-transfer sections 172 which are pressedout of base portion 166 for transferring a load from rod 154 to spreadermember 150' for resiliently urging member 150 towards member 152 whensaid members are in a liquid-distributing position.

Spreading member 152 further includes a base portion 174 having a pairof leg portions 176, 178 extending therefrom and having aperture means180 therein for receiving the ends of rod 154, and means 182 (see FIG.5) comprising punchedout portions of legs 176, 178 for limiting theminimum width of gap 160. End portions 184 of spreader member 150 reston the punched-out portions 182 when the spreader members 150, 152 arein the liquid-distributing position shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The means(not shown) in FIGS. 1 and 2 for establishing a minimum width for gap 60is the same as that shown in FIGS. 3-5. As should now be readilyapparent the spreader embodiment shown in FIGS. 3-6 differs from thatshown in FIGS. 1 and 2 in that the former has a plurality ofload-transfer elements 172 and only one tab section 170.

In FIG. 7 is shown another form of spreader means indicated generally at222 comprised of a rotatably -mounted spreader member 250, a stationaryspreader member 252 and a resilient rod 254 suitably mounted inapertures 280 located in leg portions 276, 278 of member 252. Rod 254performs the same functions as the rods described hereinbefore. Spreadermeans 222 is similar to the spreader means 122 in all respects exceptthat (l) load-transfer sections 272 are punched out of an intermediateportion of base portion 266 leaving a portion 290 which provides forgreater rigidity in spreader member 250 as against spreader member 150and (2) a plurality of curved sections 270 are provided as against asingle section 170 in FIGS. 3-6. Again, as in all of the embodimentsdisclosed herein the relationship between rod 254 and load-transfersections 272 is such that the rod assumes a curved configuration whenthe spreader members are in a liquid-distributing position therebyresiliently urging member 250 towards member 252; and, functions as ahinge when member 250 is being moved to or from the inoperative positionas described hereinbefore.

In FIGS. 8 and 9 is shown a further modification of a spreader means.Here, the spreader means generally indicated at 300 comprises fourunits, i.e., a stationary spreader member 302 (identical to thestationary members disclosed in FIGS. l-7), a pivotally mounted spreadermember 304, a resilient elongated rod 306 and a load-transfer element308. Spreader member 304 includes a pair of tab means or hanger elements310 which partially encircle rod 306 when the various parts areoperatively connected. Load-transfer element 308 includes a punched-out"portion 312 (similar to portion 272 in FIG. 7) which functions as aload-receiving portion, and a plurality of load-distributing portions314. In the assembled position the left hand end of rod 306 (as viewedin FIG. 8) is threaded through right hand aperture 316, under righthanger element 310, over load-receiving portion 312, under the lefthanger element 310 and finally through the left aperture 316. As in theprevious embodiments, when the members 302, 304 are in theliquid-distributing position load-receiving portion 312 is located at apoint higher than a horizontal plane containing apertures 316. In thisposition rod 306 assumes a curved and stressed condition such thatportion 312 receives a force from an intermediate portion of rod 306 andthis force is redistributed by members 314 to spreader member 304 forresiliently urging spreader member 304 towards fixed spreader member302. Load-transfer element 308 may be centrally located on pivotallymounted spreader member 304 by any suitable means, e.g., by providingelement 308 with one or more tabs 318 which line up with one or moreindentations or recessed portions 320 in spreader member 304, saidrecessed portions 320 constraining element 308 against lateral movement,i.e., towards legs 316. It should be noted that the depth ofindentations 320 is such that members 314 contact surface 322 beforetabs 318 contact the bottom of indentations 320. This insures that theforces transmitted by member 308zwill be via members 314 only.Alternatively, the width or longitudinal dimension of member 308 couldbemade substantially equal to that of spreader member 304 such thatmember 308 would be maintained in the correct position by legs 324 ofspreader member 302.

FIG. shows another form of spreader means similar to that shown in FIGS.8 and 9, the major-change being that the tabs-318 and indentations 320of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 and9 have been replaced by apin-and-slot arrangement. Spreader member 304 is provided with anelongated slot326 for receiving end 328 of pin 330. On the opposite sideofmember 308 pin 330 is provided with a load-receiving portion 332 ofincreased diameter. Again, when the various elements are operativelyconnected, end 328 of pin 330 .does not contact the. bottom of slot 326.Accordingly, forces from a resilient rod 306 are received byloadweceiving portion 332 andare transmitted to spreader member 304 onlyby portions 314. The advantage in redistributing the forces towards thelateral ends of the movable spreader member is to lessen or obviate thechances that the movable spreader member will bow,.in the middle therebydecreasing the minimum height of the pressure-generating gap near itscenter.

FIG. 11 shows still another embodiment of a spreader means. The spreadermeans is comprised of a stationary spreader member 402 which is.generally of the same configuration as the stationary spreader membersdisclosed in FIGS. 1-10, a pivotally mounted spreader member 404 and aresilient rod 406. Spreader member 404 includes a portion 408 which isrolled backupon itself to form a passageway for rod 406. The ends of rod406 are mounted in apertures 412. Again, the longitudinal axis of thepassageway is located at a point higher than a horizontal planecontaining apertures 412 thereby causing rod 406 to assume a bowed andstressed condition when the spreader members are in theliquid-distributingpositionas shown in FIG. 11. As shown, the diameterof rod 406 is less than that of the passageway to allow that portion ofrod 406 within the passageway to assume a curved position. Forces fromrod 406 are applied to spreader member 404 via the end portions 414 ofthe passageway.

In FIGS. 12-15 there is shown still another modified form of spreadermeans generally indicated by reference character 500. Spreader means 500includes a first spreader member 502, a second spreader member 504coupled with said first spreader member 502 for pivotal movementrelative thereto, and a resilient connecting element in the form of arod 506 for providing the pivotal connection between thespreader'members. Spreader member'502 includes a vertical member 508 andaplatform 510 formed at a right angle to each other and connectedtogether by integral portion 512, portion 512 defining one side of apressure-generating gap 514. A portion 516 of platform 510 locatedslightly ahead of gap 514 is relieved or punched out" of the platform toallow a portion of the pod of processing liquid located on the'film unitto extend before and during rupture thereof to facilitate movement ofthe film unit through pressure-generating gap S14. Platform 510 isterminated by a support member 518 which is connected to platform 510 bya downwardly turned portion 520. Support member 518 which cooperateswith the lower portion 522 of vertical member 508 to properly positionthe spreader means 500 within a camera includes resilient upturnedflanges 524, 526 and 528. As can be seen in FIG. 15, upturned portion528 engages a resilient member 532 located on the interior wall ofcamera door 534 of camera 530 to properly and securely position thespreader means in alignment with a withdrawal opening 536 in the cameraand a withdrawal opening 538 in a film container 540 and yet be readilyremovable for cleaning. Should the operator or user of the camera failto properly engage portion 528 with member 532 the spreader means willstill be properly orientated within the camera 530 when the camera door534 is closed. Closing of door 534 will being flanges 524 and 526 intocontact with portions 542 and 544, respectively, of film container 540supported by camera body 546 to move flange 528 into proper lockingengagement with member 532. Spreader member 502 also includes a pair ofup turned flanges 548 and 550 having apertures 552 therein for receivingthe ends of rod 506. Extending from flanges 548 and 550 are tabs 554 and556, respectively, for engaging walls of the camera to properly centerthe spreader means 500 within the camera and tabs 558 and 560,respectively, for limiting the clockwise (as viewed in FIG. 13) rotationof spreader member 504.

Spreader member 504 includes a vertical member 562 and an upwardlyinclined member 564 terminating in a slightly, upwardly inclined member566, members 562 and 564 definingan angle of approximately 45 with eachother and being connected by a portion 568. Portion 568 cooperates withportion 512 of spreader member 502 to define the minimum width ofpressure-generating gap 514. Spacer members 570 located near the ends ofportion 512 are provided for limiting the minimum distance, as measuredin a vertical direction, between portions 512 and 568, i.e., spacers 570provide for a pregap between portions 512 and 568. Vertical member 562has its ends bent to form a pair of ears 572. Each car 572 is providedwith an elongated slot 574 for receiving the ends of rod 506, the slots574 being provided to allow spreader members 502 and 504 to move awayfrom each other as the film unit passes through pressure-generating gap514. Located intermediate the ends of spreader member 504 is aload-transfer means 576, e.g., a pin secured to vertical member 562 fortransferring a load from rod 506 to spreader member 504. The top portionof load-transfer means 576, upon which an intermediate portion of rod506 rests in the assembled condition, is located at a position higher,as viewed in FIG. 13, than a horizontal plane containing the tops of theelongated slots 574. Accordingly, when spreader means 500 is assembledas shown in FIGS. 13-15, the rod 506 is slightly bowed in order toresiliently bias spreader member 504 toward spreader member 502. Whenthe spreader members are in the position shown in FIG. 12, the ends ofrod 506 function as pivot points to allow the members 502 and 504 tomove from the liquiddistributing position shown in FIG. 14 to theposition shown in FIG. 12 wherein they may readily be cleaned. Verticalmember 562 terminates in an upwardly and inwardly sloped surface 578, asviewed in FIG. 13.

At this point it should be noted that inclined member 566 functions as aclosure means for insuring that the spreader members are in theliquiddistributing position shown in FIG. 14 when the camera door isclosed. As can be seen in FIG. 15 the spreader means 500 is shown in acamera with spreader member 504 depicted as being in a partially openposition, i.e., member 504 has been rotated counterclockwise by about 10from the position shown in FIG. 14. Upon closing door 534 of camera 530the surfaces 580 of the camera structure 546-will engage member 566 androtate the latter into the liquid-distributing position. During the lastpart of the rotation of member 504 into the liquid-distributingposition, the force from rod 506 acting upon pin 576 passes a deadcenter position and assists in rnbving the spreader member 504 into theposition shown in FIG. 14. Alternatively, the film container could bemodified to contact member 566 in a similar manner. This last feature,i.e., insuring that the spreader members are in the liquid-distributingposition, by constructing the camera and/or the film container tocontact one of the spreader members when the camera back is closed, isalso applicable to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-11. Each of thespreader members 502 and 504 include end portions 582 and 584,respectively, which converge-toward each other ahead of thepressure-generating gap 514 for engaging margins of a film unit toprevent escape of the processing liquid from between sheets of the filmunit.

From the foregoing it is readily apparent that applicant has disclosednovel spreader means for use in photographic apparatus. The spreadermeans disclosed herein incorporates a minimum number of parts which maybe readily and inexpensively manufactured from sheet metal stock. Thespreader means can be easily removed from the camera, cleaned andreinserted in the camera. Upon insertion into the camera the spreadermeans cooperates with the camera and/or film container to 'insure thatthe spreader means is located in exactly the correct position withrespect to the camera and/or container and that the spreader members arein the liquid-distributing position.

Since certain changes may be made in the above apparatus withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention herein involved, it isintended that all matter contained in the above description or shown inthe accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and notin a limiting sense.

What is claimed is:

l. A photographic device for distributing a liquid between two layers ofphotographic sheet material comprising, in combination:

a pair of liquid-distributing members mounted in juxtaposed relation,said members including surfaces having portions defining apressure-generating gap therebetween when said members are in aliquid-distributing position;

load-transfer means; and

a resilient connecting element mounted on one of said members, the otherof said members being mounted on said resilient element for selectivepivotal movement relative to said one member between saidliquid-distributing position in which said load-transfer means receivesa force from said connecting element for resiliently urging said memberstowards each other and an inoperative position wherein saidload-transfer means does not receive a force from said connectingelement urging said members towards each other and in which portions ofsaid members are sufficiently spaced apart to allow for cleaning of saidmembers.

2. The device as defined in claim 1 wherein each of said surfacesinclude end portions converging ahead of said gap towards the endportions of the other surface for engaging margins of said sheets aheadof said gap to prevent escape of said liquid from between said sheets atsaid ends.

3. The device as defined in claim 1 wherein each said member includes a'longitudinal portion extending from end to end thereof, said portionsdefining opposite sides of said device, said pressure-generating gapbeing spaced equidistantly from said opposite sides.

4. The device as defined in claim 1 wherein said other member includes aflange at each end thereof, each said flange including means defining anelongated slot for receiving said resilient connecting element to enablesaid other member to move away from said one member as a photographicsheet material passes therebetween.

5. The device as defined in claim 1 further including means engageableby a film container located within a camera for properly positioningsaid device within said camera.

6. The device as defined in claim 1 further including closure meansengageable'by structure within a camera for insuring that said membersare in said liquid-distributing position when a loading door of thecamera is closed.

7. The device as defined in claim 6 wherein said closure means is anintegral portion of said other member.

8. The device as defined in claim 7 further including means forreleasably securing said device within a camera.

9. A photographic device for distributing a liquid between two layers ofphotographic sheet material comprising, in combination:

a pair of liquid-distributing members mounted in juxtaposed relation,said members including surfaces having portions defining apressure-generating gap therebetween when said members are in aliquid-distributing position;

load-transfer means; and

a resilient connecting element mounted on one of said members, the otherof said members being mounted on said resilient element for pivotalmovement relative to said one member between said liquid-distributingposition in which said load-transfer means receives a force from saidconnecting element for resiliently urging said members towards eachother and an inoperative position in which portions of said members aresutficiently spaced apart to allow for cleaning of said members, saidmembers being formed of sheet material said other member including, asan integral part thereof, tab means, said tab means and saidload-transfer means being engaged with said connecting element formaintaining said other member in operative relation with said connectingelement during movement of said other member to and from saidinoperative position.

10. A photographic device for distributing a liquid between two layersof photographic sheet material comprising, in combination:

a pair of liquid-distributing members formed of sheet material mountedin juxtaposed relation, said members including surfaces having portionsdefining a pressuregenerating gap therebetween when said members are ina liquid-distributing position;

load-transfer means comprising an integral portion of one of saidmembers and including a plurality of load-transfer sections; and

a resilient connecting element comprising a rod mounted on the other ofsaid members, with an intermediate portion thereof engaged with saidload-transfer sections, said one member being mounted on said resilientconnecting element adjacent respective ends thereof for pivotal movementrelative to said other member between said liquiddistributing positionin which said load-transfer means receives a force from said connectingelement for resiliently urging said members towards each other and aninoperative position in which portions of said members are sufficientlyspaced apart to allow for cleaning of said members.

11. A photographic device for distributing a liquid between two layersof photographic sheet material comprising, in combination:

a pair of liquid-distributing members mounted in juxtaposed relation,said members including surfaces having portions defining apressure-generating gap therebetween when said members are in aliquid-distributing position;

load-transfer means; and

a resilient connecting element mounted on one of said members, the otherof said members being mounted on said resilient element for pivotalmovement relative to said one member between said liquid-distributingposition in which said load-transfer means receives a force from saidconnecting element for resiliently urging said members towards eachother and an inoperative position in which portions of said members aresufficiently spaced apart to allow for cleaning of said members, saidloadtransfer means comprising a separate load-transfer element includinga load-receiving portion engaged with a medial section of saidconnecting element and load-distributing portions engaged with spacedsections of said other member for distributing the load from saidconnecting element to said other member to bias said other membertowards said one member when said members are in the liquid-distributingposition.

12. The device as defined in claim 11 wherein said loadtransfer elementincludes means movably engaged with said other member for locating saidload-transfer element intermediate the ends of said'other member, saidmeans being constrained against movement relative to said other memberin a direction lengthwise of said other member when said loadtransferelement is properly located relative to said other member.

13. A photographic device for distributing a liquid between two layersof photographic sheet material comprising, in combination:

a pair of liquid-distributing members mounted in juxtaposed relation,said members including surfaces having portions defining apressure-generating gap therebetween when said members are in aliquid-distributing position;

load-transfer means; and

a resilient connecting element mounted on one of said members, the'otherof said members being mounted on said resilient element for pivotalmovement relative to said one member between said liquid-distributingposition in which said load-transfer means receives a force from saidconnecting element for resiliently urging said members towards eachother and an inoperative position in which portions of said members aresufficiently spaced apart to allow for cleaning of said members, saidconnecting element comprising a rod mounted at its ends on said onemember and said other member including said loadtransfer means, saidload-transfer means being in engagement with an intermediate portion ofsaid rod.

14. The device as defined in claim 13 wherein said rod has asubstantially linear configuration in said inoperative position and acurved configuration in said liquid-distributing position.

15. The device as defined in claim 14 wherein said loadtransfer means isan integral part of said other member.

16. A photographic device for distributing a liquid between two layersof photographic sheet material comprising, in combination:

a pair of liquid-distributing members mounted in juxtaposed relation,said members including surfaces having portions defining apressure-generating gap therebetween when said members are in aliquid-distributing position;

load-transfer means; and

a resilient connecting element mounted on one of said members, the otherof said members being mounted on said resilient element for pivotalmovement relative to said one member between said liquid-distributingposition in which said load-transfer means receives a force from saidconnecting element for resiliently urging said members towards eachother and an inoperative position in which portions of said members aresufficiently spaced apart to allow for cleaning of said members, saidother member including as integral parts thereof one of said surfacesand a base portion, said base portion including said load-transfermeans.

17. The device as defined in claim 16 wherein said one member includesas integral parts thereof one of said surfaces and a base portion havingdepending leg portions, said leg portions including aperture means forreceiving said connecting element and means for limiting the minimumwidth of said pressure-generating gap.

18. The device as defined in claim 17 wherein each said surface and itsassociated base portion have a V-shaped configuration in cross section.

19. A photographic device for distributing a liquid between two layersof sheet material comprising:

a first nonrolling spreader member defining an elongatedsheet-contacting portion;

a second nonrolling spreader member defining an elongatedsheet-contacting portion; and

means for mounting said first spreader member for pivotal displacementwith respect to said second spreader member between a first positionwherein said sheet-contacting portions are disposed-in juxtaposition toeffect the spreading of a processing fluid between a pair of sheetmaterials when such sheet materials are disposed between said juxtaposedfacing surfaces and relative motion is effected between such sheetmaterials and said spreader members and a second position wherein saidsheet-contacting portions are disposed out of juxtaposition, said meansdefining an axis for said pivotal displacement passing through at leastone of said spreader members and extending substantially parallel tosaid sheet-contacting portions when they are disposed in juxtaposition;and including means for mounting said spreader members for displacementat least away from each other when their said sheet-contacting portionsare disposed in juxtaposition and including means for resiliently urgingtheir said sheet-contacting portions toward each other at such times,said resiliently urging means being automatically rendered ineffectivefor purposes of urging said spreader members toward each other when saidfirst spreader member is pivotally displaced from its first positionwith respect to said second spreader member into its said secondposition with respect thereto.

20. The invention of claim 19 wherein said mounting means comprises amember to which at least one of said spreader members is rotatablymounted.

21. The invention of claim 19 wherein said mounting means comprises anelongated member extending lengthwise of said elongated sheet-contactingportions.

22. The invention of claim 21 wherein said elongated member comprises aspring.

23. The invention of claim 19 wherein said first spreader memberincludes at least one aperture, said second spreader member comprises atleast one aperture aligned with said firstmentioned aperture and saidmounting means comprises a member positioned through said alignedapertures.

24. The invention of claim 23 wherein one of said apertures is onlyslightly larger in cross-sectional configuration than thecross-sectional configuration of said mounting means member and theother of said apertures is elongated with respect to said one aperture.

25. The invention of claim 21 wherein said spreader members and saidelongated member constitute a complete fluidspreading system that can beinserted into and removed from photographic apparatus as an integralassembly.

26. The invention of claim 22 wherein, when said sheet-contactingportions are in juxtaposition, said spreader members are permitted tomove away from each other to increase the spacing between their saidsheet-contacting portions and said elongated member resiliently urgessaid sheet-contacting portions towards each other at such times.

27. The invention of claim 19 additionally including means establishinga minimum spacing between said sheet-contacting portions when they arein juxtaposition and means for precluding pivotal movement of said firstspreader member in one direction about said axis with respect to saidsecond spreader member when said sheet-contacting portions are injuxtaposition.

1. A photographic device for distributing a liquid between two layers ofphotographic sheet material comprising, in combination: a pair ofliquid-distributing members mounted in juxtaposed relation, said membersincluding surfaces having portions defining a pressure-generating gaptherebetween when said members are in a liquid-distributing position;load-transfer means; and a resilient connecting element mounted on oneof said members, the other of said members being mounted on saidresilient element for selective pivotal movement relative to said onemember between said liquid-distributing position in which saidload-transfer means receives a force from said connecting element forresiliently urging said members towards each other and an inoperativeposition wherein said load-transfer means does not receive a force fromsaid connecting element urging said members towards each other and inwhich portions of said members are sufficiently spaced apart to allowfor cleaning of said members.
 2. The device as defined in claim 1wherein each of said surfaces include end portions converging ahead ofsaid gap towards the end portions of the other surface for engagingmargins of said sheets ahead of said gap to prevent escape of saidliquid from between said sheets at said ends.
 3. The device as definedin claim 1 wherein each said member includes a longitudinal portionextending from end to end thereof, said portions defining opposite sidesof said device, said pressure-generating gap being spaced equidistantlyfrom said opposite sides.
 4. The device as defined in claim 1 whereinsaid other member includes a flange at each end thereof, each saidflange including means defining an elongated slot for receiving saidresilient connecting element to enable said other member to move awayfrom said one member as a photographic sheet material passestherebetween.
 5. The device as defined in claim 1 further includingmeans engageable by a film container located within a camera forproperly positioning said device within said camera.
 6. The device asdefined in claim 1 further including closure means engageable bystructure within a camera for insuring that said members are in saidliquid-distributing position when a loading door of the camera isclosed.
 7. The device as defined in claim 6 wherein said closure meansis an integral portion of said other member.
 8. The device as defined inclaim 7 further including means for releasably securing said devicewithin a camera.
 9. A photographic device for distributing a liquidbetween two layers of photographic sheet material comprising, incombination: a pair of liquid-distributing members mounted in juxtaposedrelation, said members including surfaces having portions defining apressure-generating gap therebetween when said members are in aliquid-distributing position; load-transfer means; and a resilientconnecting element mounted on one of said members, the other of saidmembers being mounted on said resilient element for pivotal movementrelative to said one member between said liquid-distributing position inwhich said load-transfer means receives a force from said connectingelement for resiliently urging said members towards each other and aninoperative position in which portions of said members are sufficientlyspaced apart to allow for cleaning of said members, said members beingformed of sheet material said other member including, as an integralpart thereof, tab means, said tab meAns and said load-transfer meansbeing engaged with said connecting element for maintaining said othermember in operative relation with said connecting element duringmovement of said other member to and from said inoperative position. 10.A photographic device for distributing a liquid between two layers ofphotographic sheet material comprising, in combination: a pair ofliquid-distributing members formed of sheet material mounted injuxtaposed relation, said members including surfaces having portionsdefining a pressure-generating gap therebetween when said members are ina liquid-distributing position; load-transfer means comprising anintegral portion of one of said members and including a plurality ofload-transfer sections; and a resilient connecting element comprising arod mounted on the other of said members, with an intermediate portionthereof engaged with said load-transfer sections, said one member beingmounted on said resilient connecting element adjacent respective endsthereof for pivotal movement relative to said other member between saidliquid-distributing position in which said load-transfer means receivesa force from said connecting element for resiliently urging said memberstowards each other and an inoperative position in which portions of saidmembers are sufficiently spaced apart to allow for cleaning of saidmembers.
 11. A photographic device for distributing a liquid between twolayers of photographic sheet material comprising, in combination: a pairof liquid-distributing members mounted in juxtaposed relation, saidmembers including surfaces having portions defining apressure-generating gap therebetween when said members are in aliquid-distributing position; load-transfer means; and a resilientconnecting element mounted on one of said members, the other of saidmembers being mounted on said resilient element for pivotal movementrelative to said one member between said liquid-distributing position inwhich said load-transfer means receives a force from said connectingelement for resiliently urging said members towards each other and aninoperative position in which portions of said members are sufficientlyspaced apart to allow for cleaning of said members, said load-transfermeans comprising a separate load-transfer element including aload-receiving portion engaged with a medial section of said connectingelement and load-distributing portions engaged with spaced sections ofsaid other member for distributing the load from said connecting elementto said other member to bias said other member towards said one memberwhen said members are in the liquid-distributing position.
 12. Thedevice as defined in claim 11 wherein said load-transfer elementincludes means movably engaged with said other member for locating saidload-transfer element intermediate the ends of said other member, saidmeans being constrained against movement relative to said other memberin a direction lengthwise of said other member when said load-transferelement is properly located relative to said other member.
 13. Aphotographic device for distributing a liquid between two layers ofphotographic sheet material comprising, in combination: a pair ofliquid-distributing members mounted in juxtaposed relation, said membersincluding surfaces having portions defining a pressure-generating gaptherebetween when said members are in a liquid-distributing position;load-transfer means; and a resilient connecting element mounted on oneof said members, the other of said members being mounted on saidresilient element for pivotal movement relative to said one memberbetween said liquid-distributing position in which said load-transfermeans receives a force from said connecting element for resilientlyurging said members towards each other and an inoperative position inwhich portions of said members are sufficiently spaced apart to allowfor cleaning of said members, said connecting element comprising a rodmounted at its eNds on said one member and said other member includingsaid load-transfer means, said load-transfer means being in engagementwith an intermediate portion of said rod.
 14. The device as defined inclaim 13 wherein said rod has a substantially linear configuration insaid inoperative position and a curved configuration in saidliquid-distributing position.
 15. The device as defined in claim 14wherein said load-transfer means is an integral part of said othermember.
 16. A photographic device for distributing a liquid between twolayers of photographic sheet material comprising, in combination: a pairof liquid-distributing members mounted in juxtaposed relation, saidmembers including surfaces having portions defining apressure-generating gap therebetween when said members are in aliquid-distributing position; load-transfer means; and a resilientconnecting element mounted on one of said members, the other of saidmembers being mounted on said resilient element for pivotal movementrelative to said one member between said liquid-distributing position inwhich said load-transfer means receives a force from said connectingelement for resiliently urging said members towards each other and aninoperative position in which portions of said members are sufficientlyspaced apart to allow for cleaning of said members, said other memberincluding as integral parts thereof one of said surfaces and a baseportion, said base portion including said load-transfer means.
 17. Thedevice as defined in claim 16 wherein said one member includes asintegral parts thereof one of said surfaces and a base portion havingdepending leg portions, said leg portions including aperture means forreceiving said connecting element and means for limiting the minimumwidth of said pressure-generating gap.
 18. The device as defined inclaim 17 wherein each said surface and its associated base portion havea V-shaped configuration in cross section.
 19. A photographic device fordistributing a liquid between two layers of sheet material comprising: afirst nonrolling spreader member defining an elongated sheet-contactingportion; a second nonrolling spreader member defining an elongatedsheet-contacting portion; and means for mounting said first spreadermember for pivotal displacement with respect to said second spreadermember between a first position wherein said sheet-contacting portionsare disposed in juxtaposition to effect the spreading of a processingfluid between a pair of sheet materials when such sheet materials aredisposed between said juxtaposed facing surfaces and relative motion iseffected between such sheet materials and said spreader members and asecond position wherein said sheet-contacting portions are disposed outof juxtaposition, said means defining an axis for said pivotaldisplacement passing through at least one of said spreader members andextending substantially parallel to said sheet-contacting portions whenthey are disposed in juxtaposition; and including means for mountingsaid spreader members for displacement at least away from each otherwhen their said sheet-contacting portions are disposed in juxtapositionand including means for resiliently urging their said sheet-contactingportions toward each other at such times, said resiliently urging meansbeing automatically rendered ineffective for purposes of urging saidspreader members toward each other when said first spreader member ispivotally displaced from its first position with respect to said secondspreader member into its said second position with respect thereto. 20.The invention of claim 19 wherein said mounting means comprises a memberto which at least one of said spreader members is rotatably mounted. 21.The invention of claim 19 wherein said mounting means comprises anelongated member extending lengthwise of said elongated sheet-contactingportions.
 22. The invention of claim 21 wherein said elongated membercomprises a spring.
 23. The invention of claim 19 wherein said firstspreader member includes at least one aperture, said second spreadermember comprises at least one aperture aligned with said first-mentionedaperture and said mounting means comprises a member positioned throughsaid aligned apertures.
 24. The invention of claim 23 wherein one ofsaid apertures is only slightly larger in cross-sectional configurationthan the cross-sectional configuration of said mounting means member andthe other of said apertures is elongated with respect to said oneaperture.
 25. The invention of claim 21 wherein said spreader membersand said elongated member constitute a complete fluid-spreading systemthat can be inserted into and removed from photographic apparatus as anintegral assembly.
 26. The invention of claim 22 wherein, when saidsheet-contacting portions are in juxtaposition, said spreader membersare permitted to move away from each other to increase the spacingbetween their said sheet-contacting portions and said elongated memberresiliently urges said sheet-contacting portions towards each other atsuch times.
 27. The invention of claim 19 additionally including meansestablishing a minimum spacing between said sheet-contacting portionswhen they are in juxtaposition and means for precluding pivotal movementof said first spreader member in one direction about said axis withrespect to said second spreader member when said sheet-contactingportions are in juxtaposition.